We really do theology badly in this church - having lost the capacity to speak dogmatically to one another about anything, we resort to making comments on blog posts or taking non binding(?) votes on complex theological matters. But I want to say that on the floor of the 09 Assembly, I specifically asked the Rev. Padilla if we had fully considered how far and how fast we had moved beyond our brethren on this issue and could there not be some interim ground staked out that would honor what was, for them, a value stemming from a very different history and culture from our own; a history and culture that many, indeed most, of our delegates were completely unaware. It was not the sense of the Assembly on that day nor the opinion of the chair that these were issues worthy of any delay. I noted not everyone had "processed' the issue as we had and it was unrealistic to assume that they would or even could. "If not now, when" was the response. So we moved ahead. This is a consequence of that decision and for our Presiding Bishop to say it is 'deeply troubling' is puzzling in light of it. What did he expect? What for me is "deeply troubling" is our disregard of other churches and their cultures. Space limitations inhibit a more complex discussion of this issue but I agree that it is indeed deeply troubling and sadly it was completely avoidable. But we are, after all, in the forgiveness business, so I once more defer to the Spirit and pray for our church.
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Craig Fourman on Wednesday 02/13/2013 at 03:04 PM
We really do theology badly in this church - having lost the capacity to speak dogmatically to one another about anything, we resort to making comments on blog posts or taking non binding(?) votes on complex theological matters. But I want to say that on the floor of the 09 Assembly, I specifically asked the Rev. Padilla if we had fully considered how far and how fast we had moved beyond our brethren on this issue and could there not be some interim ground staked out that would honor what was, for them, a value stemming from a very different history and culture from our own; a history and culture that many, indeed most, of our delegates were completely unaware. It was not the sense of the Assembly on that day nor the opinion of the chair that these were issues worthy of any delay. I noted not everyone had "processed' the issue as we had and it was unrealistic to assume that they would or even could. "If not now, when" was the response. So we moved ahead. This is a consequence of that decision and for our Presiding Bishop to say it is 'deeply troubling' is puzzling in light of it. What did he expect? What for me is "deeply troubling" is our disregard of other churches and their cultures. Space limitations inhibit a more complex discussion of this issue but I agree that it is indeed deeply troubling and sadly it was completely avoidable. But we are, after all, in the forgiveness business, so I once more defer to the Spirit and pray for our church.